"It may serve, let us hope, to symbolize some sweet moral blossom, that may be found along the track, or relieve the darkening close of a tale of human frailty and sorrow," ( Hawthrone, 1850, pg.46).
This quote/passage really stood out to me because as the criminals enter the prison the rose bush is the first thing they see reminding them that beauty and hope still exists. Do you guys agree or disagree? I'd love to hear your opinions/ thoughts!
I agree with you Reyna. To me, the description of the setting sort of gave of that black and grey type of image in my mind. Until it spoke of the rose bush, that is highly significant because, like you said, it symbolizes hope and beauty that may still remain in their world. It also gave an image of everything being black and grey but the rose bush. Its sort of like a situation similar to the whole color/emotion crisis in the story, The Giver. Great post.
ReplyDeleteI agree Tonda. The description of the setting did sort of have a monotonous effect and the places, such as the cemetery and prison, brought a gloomy atmosphere to the story. However, the rose bush was the only object with color and it brought a hint of optimism in their world.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI’d like to think that the rose is a representation of Hester's daughter, Pearl. That Pearl, like a rose, is depiction of innocence and beauty. I think the animosity of the crowd symbolizes the dismal tone of the setting. While the baby,complementary to the people that leave the prison and see the roses, symbolizes Hester’s only source of hope; Especially in a time where Hester is being publicly harassed by a “thousand unrelenting eyes” and no one is on her side.
DeleteI agree. The rose bush is a reminder to the prisoners of how beautiful life can be and I think it might even encourage them to do better, like you said, it gives them hope.
ReplyDeleteYeah I agree, it is remarkable how the rose bushes grow near the prison. It is like nature is trying to tell the prisoners that they can blossom and come out as better people.
ReplyDeleteI as well agree,Goodness has a good point that there is still hope for them to be better. Nature shows or symbolizes there is always second chances.
ReplyDeleteI agree because the fist thing I think about a prison is that theres no hope, but with that rose bush growing there it's showing them a second chance. Plus out of all places for a rose bush to grow, I find it ironic how you can find beauty or life everywhere. It also helps me picture the situation too with the descriptiveness.
ReplyDeleteI agree Reyna, when Mrs. Ross pointed that part out I thought the same thing. In the case of a criminal they would want as much hope as they can get because going into jail would not be pleasant. Over time if you are in a place like a jail you begin to loose hope and you could get depressed but because the red roses are so bright and uplifting it helps. Like for example, if someone was in a bad mood and they saw something that was beautiful or weird but cool it would change their mood.
ReplyDeleteYeah I agree, the Red roses give the criminals hope in a horrendous society. The Red roses are a very beautiful symbolism of life being able to blossom, even at one's lowest point.
DeleteI thought it was ironic how such a beautiful rose bush stood next to the prison which is anything but beautiful. The prison holds "criminals" who do things that the society thinks is "sinful".
ReplyDeleteYeah I thought that was ironic as well. No one would ever expect a comely rose bush to grow near a prison full of criminals.
DeleteI thought it was symbolic for hope, showing that the criminals may still stand a chance at a better life. I also think it is quite ironic because it was not planted yet it blossoms just right next to the entrance of the prison
ReplyDeleteI agree, the rose gives the prisoners hope and faith that they should keep going and motivate them to continue living and that maybe one day they'll be happy again.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete